The National Eisteddfod will begin on Saturday 5 August and end on 12 August with a special Tân yn Llŷn show - a parade combining circus, puppetry and fireworks. Arts Council are funding this work commissioned by the National Eisteddfod. Tân yn Llŷn will explore the tradition of taking direct action while also looking at themes of peace, pride and belonging.
We are also funding street theatre performances which will turn the Maes into one large performance stage to entertain and to take part in.
Our funding also makes possible a scheme to make the visitor experience more accessible. A new Accessibility Officer for the week, will advise on how to create a more accessible and inclusive experience. In addition, deaf visitors can request BSL translation to enjoy more fully their Eisteddfod experiences.
Inclusivity is also the aim with Mâs ar y Maes, a partnership between the LGBTIAQ+ community, Stonewall Cymru and the Eisteddfod. Funded by our Connect and Flourish scheme with Lottery money, Mâs ar y Maes will offer a programme of drama, cabaret, literature and music. On Thursday Eisteddfod visitors will be invited to take part in a conference discussing all things LGBTIAQ+.
But for a little peace and quiet, step into the Eisteddfod's Secret Garden and look out for an impressive black door with the number ten on it. The theatre company In Character will invite you to step through it into the past to meet one of Llanystumdwy's famous sons, the Prime Minister, David Lloyd George.
The night birds of Maes B will have a chance on Friday night to soar into the future in a co-production by Theatr Frân Wen and Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru – Popeth ar y Ddaear. This production has been funded by our National Lottery money and is also supported by Literature Wales, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and the University of South Wales. This is the party to end all parties, starting at 11pm on 11 August. It will invite the audience to step into a near future when a global catastrophe has drowned communities.
Our theatre companies have been extremely busy this year and Popeth ar y Ddaear is only one of five productions by Theatr Genedlaethol with all five being staged at different venues on the Maes. Theatr Clwyd is also here, with a Welsh-language adaptation by Branwen Davies of Fleabag, Phoebe Waller-Bridges' acclaimed comedy.
And if dancing is your thing, then tap your toes to the tunes at the Folk House, click your heels with Twmpdaith and Qwerin or jump and jive in Dance for All sessions.
This is just a taste of what we are funding at this year's National Eisteddfod.
A visit to the Eisteddfod in Boduan will certainly be the highpoint of your summer!